Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To examine the protein expression pattern of osteonectin/SPARK and to compare it with osteopontin expression pattern in human capsular opacification and healing, injured, mouse lens.We have reported that osteopontin is up-regulated in injured lens epithelium of humans and mice.Methods: (1) Human tissues of anterior subcapsular cataract (n=14) or post-cataract surgery capsular opacification specimens (n=18) were immunostained for osteonectin/SPARK. (2) An incision was made in the anterior capsule of one eye of C57BL/6 mice by using a hypodermic needle introduced into the eye through a corneal incision under both general and topical anesthesia. This animal protocol was approved by Institutional Guidline and also approved by NCI/NIH. After specific intervals of healing up to 2 months, the animals were killed and the affected eye was processed for immunohistochemistry for osteonectin/SPARK. Results: Osteonectin/SPARK was detected in uninjured lens epithelial cells of humans and mice and also observed in extracellular matrix accumulated on the capsule during healing intervals.Conclusions: Osteonectin/SPARK is expressed in lens epithelium in quiescent and wound healing conditions, and may have an important role modulating lens epithelial cell homeostasis as well as behavior following injury.
Keywords: extracellular matrix • immunohistochemistry • wound healing